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Islamabad, Federal Minister for States and Frontier Regions Engineer Amir Muqam has emphasized the need for a dignified return of Afghan refugees to their home country. During a visit to the Office of Commissionerate for Afghan Refugees in Lahore, he highlighted the significant number of Afghan nationals residing in Pakistan and the importance of ensuring a humane approach to their repatriation.
According to Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Muqam noted that Pakistan currently hosts 1.4 million Proof of Registration cardholders, 800,000 Afghan Citizen Cardholders, and many undocumented Afghan nationals. He underscored the impact of this large refugee population on Pakistan’s resources and stressed the importance of their orderly and respectful return to Afghanistan.
The Minister met with a delegation from the Afghan refugee business community, who expressed their gratitude for the facilities and support provided by Pakistan. This interaction reinforced the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with the Afghan refugee community.
Later in the visit, Muqam toured various sections of the Afghan Refugees Commissionerate Punjab Office to review the services provided to Afghan refugees. He expressed satisfaction with the arrangements and the support extended to Afghan refugees in Pakistan.
The Minister’s visit and remarks highlight Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to managing its refugee population while ensuring their return to Afghanistan is handled with dignity and care.